I had an appointment with ENT to have two lumps on my neck examined. This had been an ongoing concern for me therefore my GP felt it required an urgent referral. My first lump had been present for around 3 months and alongside other symptoms was worrying for me.
During my first examination appointment, I felt the doctor was really abrupt, dismissive and showed little concern or empathy towards me. I was already emotional due to my own worries and the stress this had been causing me, the way they made me feel invalidated didn’t help. I asked for an ultrasound so I would be able to see that my neck lumps were not a concern. They didn’t appreciate this either, I did stress this wasn’t that I don’t trust their judgement but more for my own worries, but they dismissed me without any acknowledgment.
During my ultrasound another doctor was amazing and put all my worries at ease but also didn’t make me feel silly or like I was wasting their time for having these lumps checked. However during my ultrasound, while I was still lying on the bed speaking with the doctor, the nurse in the room opened the door to the room which left myself and the Dr exposed to anyone walking by. This felt really uncomfortable and disrespectful as no communication was made as to why they had done this. I felt like they wanted the appointment to be over and this was their way of showing that.
Overall I was really disappointed by the patient care I received and felt like a lack of compassion, respect and dignity was expressed not only to myself but between professionals.
I have passed these concerns onto the Lothian feedback team but was also advised to post here.
"Lack of compassion, respect and dignity"
About: Lauriston Building Lauriston Building Edinburgh EH3 9HA
Posted by LECU (as ),
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See more responses from Ann Meldrum
See more responses from Ann Meldrum